Sometimes I wonder if parents have a special love language toward their children. I’m talking about how good it feels to give them a gift, to help them fulfill a dream. Nothing much like it in parenting, I think. Even Scripture says all parents want to give good gifts to their children (Matthew … [Read more...] about What to Do When the Dream Dies Again
doubt
Is God Always Listening?
“Uh-hu…I see…Hmmmm…” In between stories of Littlest Pet Shop and potty training, and questions about bible characters and canned soup, I tried to insert interest. Sort of. My toddler stopped her nonstop banter and put her tiny hands on my cheeks, turning my head toward her. “Mommy, listen … [Read more...] about Is God Always Listening?
If Your New Year Feels Like “2020, Too”
As we tiptoe into Year 3 of a pandemic many of us thought could never happen, I wanted to revisit some of my pre-COVID thoughts. I wanted to see if God still seems faithful, mighty to save, all-powerful, caring. Even more palpable, perhaps, than what is happening with the pandemic is what may be … [Read more...] about If Your New Year Feels Like “2020, Too”
When Christmas Feels Like a Catastrophe
It seemed destined to fail from the start. My three young adult kids decided to start a new tradition. Rather than purchasing ready-made, they wanted to make Christmas gifts for each family member. None of them lived here. They were all busy with college finals and new jobs right up until they … [Read more...] about When Christmas Feels Like a Catastrophe
Sensible Skin is Tougher Than You’d Think
Every mama knows, preschool conversations reveal some of life’s biggest truths. It was my day to have the two for lunch after their morning at preschool, my younger daughter and her four-year-old friend. It was a Thursday thing that year. These besties loved spending as much time together as they … [Read more...] about Sensible Skin is Tougher Than You’d Think
Tweaking Tradition, Part 1
Tradition is not a neutral word. Like college football, or Jesus, or anything political, it evokes a strong emotion, reflecting how traditions have played out in our lives. I, too, have had a love-hate relationship with traditions over the past few years. The following article was first … [Read more...] about Tweaking Tradition, Part 1